This material is from the 4th edition of The Zebrafish Book. The 5th edition is available in print and within the ZFIN Protocol Wiki.

CHAPTER 1
GENERAL METHODS FOR ZEBRAFISH CARE

Water

(Source: M. Westerfield)

Several different types of water are used for procedures described in the following sections. These solutions have been adapted to balance ease and cost of production with the changing needs of zebrafish during their life cycle.

In general, adults can be maintained in tap water, conditioned by letting it set. This depends critically on the quality of the local water source and on the demands for embryo production. Poor water quality will adversely affect the health of the fish, their susceptibility to disease, and their breeding potential. If there is any question about water quality, deionized or distilled water should be used to which a small amount of salts and minerals are added. If an adequate supply of deionized water is unavailable, a closed-system which recirculates the water after purification can be used.

Embryos and young larvae have stricter requirements and should be raised in egg water. Embryos removed from their chorions require additional calcium and should be maintained in embryo medium.

System (or tank) water: water out of the facility's water system. This water is dripped into clean tanks and is used for setting up pairwise crosses.